There are times when I wonder if it’s worth keeping this blog. Would anyone really care if I stopped writing?
My father would care. He and my mother are my biggest blog fans, although I think he may edge her out by a hair. She and I chat more regularly than my dad and I do, so I think my posts are an important way for the two of us to connect.
He is my grammar and spell checker; I will occasionally receive an email after a post is published. He knows I proofread my writing, and he knows I want him to let me know if he catches something I miss.
From: Mike
Sent: Friday, May 4, 2018 1:33 PM
To: Dana
Subject: Shouldn’t “once and a while” be…“once in a while”?
Love you,
Dad
When I was growing up, my mother always said I was just like my dad. We are both logical, objective, and left-brained – thinkers more than feelers. While I would argue that neither of us fit quite so easily into a neat little box, we are similar in many ways.
How I’m like my father:
- a math lover
- good penmanship
- my cleft chin
- a bottom-of-the-pool swimmer
- a reader of many genres, including science-fiction
- quick to anger and quick to cool off
- a toe walker
What I learned from my father, through example:
- Drive your car into the ground.
- Don’t withhold money from your paycheck; earn interest on that money until it’s time to pay Uncle Sam.
- If you own the house, you own the fridge and everything in it.
- Save for retirement before you save for your kids’ college educations. They can take out loans for school; you can’t take out a retirement loan.
- Never stop learning. You don’t have to be sitting in a classroom to educate yourself.
- Do not order a McDonald’s sausage and egg biscuit unless you REALLY want it.
One of my first memories with my father is sitting on the blanket-covered bridge table, legs crossed and grinning for the camera. He was an avid photographer back then, and I was a frequent subject.
My most recent memory of my father is from a few days ago, when we had Chinese take-out to celebrate his birthday. He didn’t want any gifts, just a card. I gave him a card, and I also gave him the useful yet impersonal gift of athletic socks.
This post is also my gift. It has been a joy for me to watch my “thinker” dad become a “feeler” over the years. I suspect his grandchildren are the reason, but I reap the benefits as well. While I have always known my father loved me and was proud of me, he doesn’t let those words go unsaid.
From my first memory to my most recent one, and for all the ones in between, I love you Dad. Happy, happy birthday! May your new socks take you on many walks around the neighborhood so that we can celebrate many more birthdays together.
Oh, and this is your Father’s Day gift too, unless you want more socks. xoxo
*raising hand* I would care! Please keep writing beautiful, thoughtful pieces like this tribute to your dad. I love the email you shared – I like how he brought the error to your attention without patronizing. An excellent example for all parents.
I know you would care, Julia – and that means the world to me. As far as my dad alerting me to errors…the first time he did it, he asked me if I minded. I told him I welcomed it!
This is so cute. That email cracked me up.
They always make me smile:)
Number four really made me think, Dana. He’s right!
Happy birthday to your dad! What a sweet post. I never thought about the student loan vs. retirement loan but that’s brilliant advice. Also, you’re a toe walker?
I am – not tiptoe, but the balls of my feet. My dad and I both kinda bounce.
Well now you simply can’t ever stop writing and publishing. Your dad and I would both be sad.
I like his #2 tip. I thought it was just negligence on my part, but I like the idea of it being smart. And #6 made me LOL. I’d have to be pretty desperate..
Me too – but as a teenager I LOVED McDonald’s! And I have no plans on stopping writing – thank you for always reading!
Beautiful, Dana. Mike will treasure your gift. And for what it’s worth, I would miss your blog too.
Thanks Karen – it’s worth a lot!
Dana,
Shouldn’t “While I always have always known” be “While I have always known”?
Did you do this intentionally? 😉
What his birthday has given me: Love, pride and a full heart!
Thank you!
Dad
Oh my gosh – I did not do that intentionally! Going to fix it now.
Your words would be missed! You are one of the few bloggers I follow, and it always makes me happy when a notification pops up in my email box.
Thank you so much, Marsha – that means a lot to me!
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful Daddy!!!
You’re pretty wonderful, too!
I knew you’d approve. xoxo
Aw, I love this Dana and seriously what a beautiful gift to share your dad and your memories both past and recent with us here. Happy (belated) Birthday and Father’s Day to your dad now!! 🙂
Thank you Janine!
I too would miss your words Dana! And I absolutely love this post since I’m very close with my dad as well. It’s such a special bond and I love that you have it with your dad, not to mention all the valuable lessons. I wholeheartedly agree with #6 because do you ever REALLY want to eat anything from McDonald’s? LOL! Happy Birthday to your dad!
Thanks Allie – he reads all my comments so I know he received your birthday wishes!